Speaking at the unveiling of a bust of Sojourner Truth, the legendary advocate of women's rights and abolition, Obama marveled at “just [imagining] what she would have to say about this incredible gathering, just looking down on this day, and thinking about the legacy she has left all of us.” Obama quoted her husband who often says he stands "on the shoulders of giants," and expressed her admiration for Truth, a "tell-it-like-it-is-kind of woman."
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Michelle Obama and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi applaud students performing during festivities at the new Sojourner Truth statue at the Capitol. During her remarks, Michelle said, "And just as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucretia Mott would be pleased to know that we have a woman serving as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, I hope that Sojourner Truth would be proud to see me, a descendant of slaves, serving as the first lady of the United States of America."
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Michelle Obama collaborates with students in a garden in Washington, D.C. The event was coordinated by AmeriCorps. President Obama recently signed a bill that dedicates funds to more than triple the number of AmeriCorps volunteers in the next five years.
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Michelle Obama walks the family's new puppy, Bo, a Portuguese water dog. Michelle has complained that the presidential pooch is a little hyperactive in its youth, saying he has woken up the Obamas in the middle of the night.
Ron Edmonds / AP Photo
Speaking at the annual "Take Your Child to Work Day" at the White House, Michelle apologized to children for their parents' long hours, but spoke of the personal rewards of public service.
Ron Edmonds / AP Photo
Michelle Obama encourages kids working in a garden on the South Lawn. To advocate healthy living, Michelle started the first kitchen garden for the White House since the mid-1900s.
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Michelle Obama was front and center with her husband on stage in Prague during his visit with leaders of the Czech Republic and European Union in early March. During a speech, she sparked much debate by announcing his ambitious goal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons.
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Michelle and Barack Obama, alongside German Chancellor Angela Merkel, prepare to sign the Golden Book of Baden-Baden, Germany, an honor bestowed upon visiting dignitaries.
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Michelle stands beside Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's wife, during a ceremony in Strasbourg. Many of the tabloids speculated during the G-20 summit in early April that Michelle Obama had stolen Bruni's thunder as the most glamorous first lady in the world.
Charles Dharapak / AP Photo
Obama speaks to students in London during part of the whirlwind media blitz in the leadup to the economic summit.
Joel Ryan / AP Photo
Michelle with Sarah Brown, the wife of British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and other first ladies in attendance for the G-20 summit in London.
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Michelle Obama embraces a student at a school in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. Michelle, along with Sheryl Crow, Alicia Keys, and other women, visited schools around the region as part of Women's History Month.
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Michelle Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stand alongside recipients of the Award for International Women of Courage. The award is given to women from around the globe who have advanced the cause of women's human rights.
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The first lady rolled up her sleeves to hand out meals at Miriam’s Kitchen, a housing support center in Washington.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo
The president and the first lady shared a laugh with Ted Kennedy during a musical birthday salute to the senator at the Kennedy Center on March 8.
Kevin Wolf / AP Photo
Barack and Michelle are serenaded by Beyonce Knowles during their first dance of the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP Photo
